In 1903, the United States and the newly independent country of Panama signed the Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty. This was a follow-up of the unsuccessful Hay-Herran Treaty, using largely the same terms. However, unlike Colombia, Panama would agree to the terms, which established a Panama Canal Zone[?] that was 10 miles wide.
... January 7 - The distress signal[?] "CQD" is established only to be replaced two years later by "SOS."
February 7 - A fire in Baltimore, Marylan ...